The Bookworm and the Cat's Meow

Jeanine Lauren

Sep 2024 · The Shops at Sunshine Bay Book 3 · Littleford House Books

About this ebook

He wanted a quiet life. The cats — and one determined woman — had other plans.

After a painful divorce, Lance Reed leaves the city behind for a fresh start in the peaceful seaside town of Sunshine Bay. Running a cozy bookstore feels like the perfect way to rebuild his life — until he agrees (reluctantly) to host adoptable rescue cats in his shop.

There's just one problem.

Lance hates cats.

Raven Johnson, founder of The Cat's Meow Rescue Centre, has spent years caring for others — her daughter, her community, and the animals no one else would take. Love? That's firmly in the past.

But when their worlds collide inside a bookstore filled with stories and a few mischievous felines, something unexpected begins to grow. Between overturned displays, curious customers, and cats who seem determined to play matchmaker, Lance and Raven are drawn into a connection neither of them planned — and both may need.

Can a man who came to Sunshine Bay to be alone risk opening his heart again? And can a woman who has spent years caring for everyone else finally let someone care for her?

Perfect for readers who enjoy small-town charm and coastal settings, sweet closed-door romance, animal rescue stories with heart, and later-in-life women's fiction centered on community and connection.

Start your journey to Sunshine Bay today.

Ratings and reviews

This was an enjoyable cute mid-life story about Lance Reed and Raven Johnson. The characters were wonderful and engaging. I'd especially liked the twist that it was Lance who was looking for a restart of his life in this story (Mostly it's the female character that's in the books I've read). Their romance story of a cat person and a cat hater who have to work together was a delightful story as their romance slowly blooms. I'd volunteer to read and review this copy I'd received via Hidden Gems.

M This was such a heartwarming story. Lance is recently divorced and moves to Sunshine Bay to take over a family bookstore. He is not a cat lover. Raven is long divorced and is still bitter about her ex-husband. She runs a cat rescue. Plans made between Raven and Lance’s aunt have him working with Raven and cats. This was so sweet. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Really enjoy the later in life romances. Because starting a new romance when you're older can sometimes be complicated or very exciting. Like the fact that there are animals involved. There are so many things I can go wrong but can also go right. Good read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.